In 2019, Mackinac Bridge Authority costs for the Labor Day bridge walk were about $335,000. In 2019, Michigan State Police costs for the Labor Day bridge walk were about $154,000. Total cost: about $489,000 Source: MBA PowerPoint slide (see image below)

If the state conducts an average of just three tours per tower per day at $250 per ticket, it will raise $504,000. This means that paid tower tours could easily raise enough money to completely cover the entire cost of the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk event — at ZERO cost to taxpayers.

Screenshot of a PowerPoint slide from a 2020 MBA meeting to discuss canceling the 2020 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk due to the coronavirus pandemic